Thursday, May 29, 2014

We had such a great day with the family Monday. I love being a mom but being a gram is so much more fun. When you have your kids there is so much to do. You need to cook, clean, do laundry, run errands, take the kids to all their practices and games, doctor and dentist appts. and all the things needed to raise a family. With grandkids all you need to do is spend quality time with them. I love doing that. Our two oldest had their boyfriend and girlfriend over along with the family. What great kids they are too. My dil fixed a great meal and we ate outside in gorgeous weather. I wish we could do that every weekend! I gave the girls Scrub Daddy's a while back and they love them. If you haven't seen them they are little happy face sponges that are soft when warm and hard when cold. You can clean most everything with them. The girls love them and want more. I've only seen them in Walmart and on QVC but they are so cute sitting on your sink or in the bathroom. I want one for the dog stuff and also in the garage.

My son gave me a keyboard to plug into my laptop and I can't tell you how happy that has made me. Obviously I cannot type on the keyboard of a laptop. The keys are so close together and I keep messing up. This is so much better and as you can see I am going on and on. My next issue is that I follow blogs on google chrome. The name is on the top of the computer and when I click on it the list drops down. After I get through part of the list I have to wait until it scrolls down every single time. Is this clear? It takes forever and I wonder if that is the only way to read the blogs. When I used Internet Explorer the list was just right there for me to go back and forth. The list stayed open. If there is a trick to it and anyone knows I would be thrilled if you could share it. I am posting a card today that we made in SU workshop. I have two girlfriend birthdays in June so this is perfect. Have a great day and be kind to one another.

Monday, May 26, 2014

I don't have a card today but wanted to pop in and say a huge "thank you" to all the veterans who have served our country. So many brave men and women who willing went into the service and kept us safe and free. It is a big sacrifice to leave family behind and go into the unknown. So again, thank you for all you do and have done for us. Be kind to one another.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

It's race day here in Indy. There is so much excitement in our city for the month of May. The parade yesterday was fantastic with all the floats and drivers. It is almost as big as the race. We have one female driver, Pippa, who is driving the Susan G. Komen car. It's hard to pick a winner because the drivers are great. We have a warm sunny day, not too hot for the tires and no rain. The Snakepit Ball last night drew some celebrities and gorgeous gowns. Jim Nabors is saying goodbye after singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" for the last time. Mark Cuban (an IU graduate) is waving the green flag to start the race. So I'm hoping for a safe race today. I am so happy Dario is okay and sad not to see him racing but he is still a huge part of the racing team. I love when they do the fly over before the race. That is thrilling. My favorite is Helio.
Today's card is from a workshop using the fringe scissors. I love that polka dot paper in all the colors. The scissors make it so quick to fringe paper. The watercolor class is over. It has brought a new way of card making to me and I love it. I signed up to do the pattern paper class. It is nice to just go and view all the videos at once if you want to. I'm not good at using patterns together but it is helpful to see how others do little tricks to make it work. There are always tips and the best one is to store your 6 x 6 packs upside down. Then you can just flip through the packs and see what you want. Be kind to one another and have a great weekend.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Whew, what a day. I meant to tell you about roller derby. It was really something to see. I think the girls spent as much time on the floor as on their skates. It was fun to watch and our team won the match. I'm still a little fuzzy about how it is scored. There are about eight referees out on the floor because both teams are doing the same thing at the same time. It moves pretty fast.

Today I had a mole taken off my hand and a wart taken off the corner of my left eyebrow. My eye is really sore but my hand seems okay. I wasn't worried about either one but I did it to be preventative. Doc said they weren't deep and he thought they were fine. They will call with results.

Then I went to Jo Ann's and found some real bargains. Their boxes of envelopes for A2 cards were $4 each. I got a box of pastels and one of brights. Then I found a Sizzix die for $3.97 so I couldn't pass that up. On to Hobby Lobby to see if there were any calendars left this year. My BIL came yesterday and diagnosed the light problem as the ballast. So while I went to get a new one, he hung the calendar holder for me. However, I will have to decorate it since I couldn't find a calendar at HL. I'll still look around. A little later we had horrific thunderstorms with wind and strong rain and a lot of hail. It blanketed the ground. There are still a few moving through but not as strong.

I was happy to see Meryl win DWTS last night and the winner of the voice is an Indiana guy so that was very nice. He has a great voice. Tonight is the final for Survivor. I'm kind of tired of that show but I do watch because there isn't anything else opposite. I did get a few more cards done for water color class. I loved that class and I would be happy if it went on forever. It is a fun thing to do. I think because it is not so precise and it still looks good. Well, it will as I get better and better. I've gone on and on so I will say goodnight. Be kind to one another.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Busy weekend but we got lots of things done. Our sons came Sunday and really worked hard. They got two bushes out in front and two weird tree like things that started growing by the house in the back. We can't get flowers to grow in this hard clay like dirt but all kinds of weeds and unknown things pop right up! They changed the bulbs in the fixture over the kitchen table but the lights wouldn't come on. My BIL is coming today with a ballast (?) and a new switch because something else is wrong. They also removed the caulk around the kitchen sink that was cracking but there is such a gap of almost an inch so we have to fill that first before re caulking. Then they did several house things that were not necessary but made me feel so happy. Hubby followed the boys around and just stood there as they did things. That's so hard for the boys to see. Their strong hardworking dad so reduced to not knowing what is going on. Usually when they are here we are all sitting around talking so this was new to them. They really hadn't seen him like that.

I haven't done my homework for day 11 and the bonus day. I'm hoping after BIL leaves today I can get it done. I have made a birthday card for my girlfriend and a graduation card for my grandson's girlfriend. The graduation is Friday so I needed to get cracking. I have seen a lot of the homework of the ladies that took the watercolor class and it is beautiful. Everyone has done such a good job. Be kind to one another.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Finally got to the hardware store. Who knew there were so many fluorescence light choices. Length, diameter and strength? Then off to caulk. Again, what kind. I did walk right over and picked up RoundUp. That was easy. I did do the homework for freehand watercolor. Freehand is not my thing but there are so many other ways to water color that that's okay. My tulips are from a stencil. Again, okay but not my favorite.

Tomorrow we are going to see our granddaughter roller skate in her first actual roller derby meet. We've been to see her skate but not in a meet. Then she leaves for Ecuador on the 30th of May for ten days.She goes with her class from school. They travel from place to place and get to do quite a bit while they're there.
Be kind to one another.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Yesterday didn't go so well in the water color class. I made the first two cards and discovered that I am not good at freehand art. I am still going to try again though. I didn't get out to the hardware store because the weather turned so windy and cold with hard rain again. That is the nice thing about being retired. If something happens today you can always do it tomorrow if it isn't urgent. So I ended up working on my cards. I did have to stop and make a birthday card for a girlfriend. No water color on it though. I may not go out again today. I am so spoiled since I retired! It is very cold and windy and some light fog from all the rain yesterday.

I am so happy to welcome two new followers of my blog today. Greta of http://ggnursecreations.blogspot.com/. She has the most adorable new little dog, Fritz. Also welcome Shirley. Her blog is http://cardartetc.blogspot.com/. I'm so happy to have you both visit me. I hope all the people in San Diego and surrounding areas are okay. The wildfires are so terrible. I think Mother Nature is going through menopause. She sure is having some issues. Wildfires, mud slides, earthquakes, flooding, extreme rain, hail and wind along with tornadoes, drought and even snow in May.

Here is my card for today. The top paisley paper is very glittery but it doesn't show up in the picture. I also added a dot of glitter in the center of each flower stem. I am happy I used two patterned papers together. They are from DCWV glossy glitter pack called The Whimsy mat stack. It is so pretty. The image is Stampin Up. Be kind to one another.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

I'm really falling behind on everything today. I haven't had time to even go to the class today and see what is happening. My sons are coming later this weekend to do a lot of house things that I can't do. I've been saving things that need done and making a list!! So I need to get out to the hardware store and pick up a lot of things they will need. They will caulk, replace weather stripping, dig out a dead bush, replace light bulbs and many other things.

Today is our 47th wedding anniversary. The time truly has gone by so fast that it's hard to believe it's been that long. I won't say anything to hubby because he will feel bad that he didn't know and he will be upset. Dementia just chips away at every part of the person and I can see his cognitive thinking has really declined lately. I wish I could help but there is just no answer.

My cards today are from yesterdays class. Other than the fact my balloon is not round (!) I am pleased with the results. Be kind to one another.

Monday, May 12, 2014

I'm getting ready for another fun water color day with three new techniques in today's video. The card today is for my grandson's birthday. He requested a sports card and he will be playing fall baseball so I thought this would be a good one. I had to go out and get rubber cement for this card as I had nothing to use for this technique. It came out pretty well for a first try. I think he will like it.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day with their families yesterday. I, again, am thinking of all those who experienced such bad storms across the U.S. yesterday. They are becoming so severe with so much rain and wind, along with hail. These are entirely different storms than what we used to have. It is scary and I don't like them. Be kind to one another.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Happy, Happy Mother's Day to all mother's out there today. It is the most rewarding job in the world. I'm so proud of my sons and their families. They are raising the most wonderful kids and doing a terrific job. We celebrated yesterday at our youngest sons house with the whole family. Great food, talk and played some outdoor games. It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun. Needless to say I only got one card from class made yesterday before we left. I need a day off to straighten up the house and catch up on laundry. It won't be much but needs to be done. It would be nice to have a housekeeper and cook so we could devote time all day to playing. That's on my bucket list! Be kind to one another and enjoy the day.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Day five of Online watercolor class. I couldn't find a stamp to make the first card of the day and the one I used for the last card wasn't really a good one. I did emboss it and water colored the inside between the embossing. I did learn the techniques so that is the good news. They will be uploaded to the http://onlinecardclasses.com/watercolor/days-5-6-student-gallery-watercoloring-stamped-images/. Be kind to one another.

I am getting nothing done in the house since the Online card class started. It takes me forever to make a card and I want to make lots of them. I am truly in love with watercolor. It makes such a wonderful card. Thanks to Colleen at http://onesmileliftsaspirit.blogspot.com/ I am able to upload cards now. Colleen learned from Darnell at http://www.djkardkreations.com/ and they both were kind enough to share the information. Stampers are the nicest people on the planet. Not only do they share their cards and ideas, but also tips and answer all sorts of questions. They have learned to be kind to one another. Here are 2 of todays cards and I will post another entry to show you the others.

I will upload these to the http://onlinecardclasses.com/watercolor/days-3-4-student-gallery-watercolor-stamping/.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

This is my second card. I can't upload them and I am terribly disappointed. Inlink keeps saying it's too big. It is the same camera on the same setting I've always used. I do it the same way I've posted all my other pictures on my blog and on my previous online classes. Go figure.

Another great day with the online class. I was so pleased with my first card. When it was just the design on the paper it was great. Then I mounted it, glued it on the back and dropped it on the floor, glue side down. It immediately picked up dog hair and looked like a furry animal itself. Plus, when I picked it up I got glue in the upper left corner. I had to take tweezers and pick off the dog hair but couldn't get the glue off. I was so disappointed but here it is anyhow. This is a Rubber Stamp Tapestry stamp I purchased many years ago and had not really liked it stamped. In watercolor it looks so much better. We have our first 80 degree day and I'm inside stamping! I do have all the windows open and it is pretty windy. The blinds keep crashing against the frames but it is nice to have fresh air. I'm cleaning up my space and taking Molly for a walk. Be kind to one another. I am going to try and upload this to http://onlinecardclasses.com/watercolor/days-3-4-student-gallery-watercolor-stamping/.

Monday, May 5, 2014

I really enjoyed the watercolor class today. It was about color wash and easy to do. I did one card that I couldn't get to come out but I don't think I had enough water on it. The "hello" card I made four times because I was using darker colors and they didn't look good together. I'm happy with this one. The last card today is a color wash background. I really liked that one. Be kind to one another. I will be posting these cards in the gallery http://onlinecardclasses.com/watercolor/days-1-2-student-gallery-watercolor-backgrounds/.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

I've learned to make two posts if I have two pictures to upload to the gallery because it won't take two at a time. This is my plaid. The lines are free hand and of course, if you read my blog, you know that I have an issue with straight. So this is okay. If I were sending this to someone I would use a T ruler, grid mat and any other tools that help you line things up straight and hope for the best. Enjoy and be kind.

There are a few videos for us to use for the watercolor class that help us get started. I have made my samples of color and made a plaid to get the feel of painting. Oh my, this is such fun. I'm going to load these samples and plaid on the http://onlinecardclasses.com/watercolor/pre-class-student-gallery/ today. Be kind to one another.

I'm so excited! Tomorrow is the first day of the Online Watercolor Class. I have all my things gathered up and I'm ready. Today I will be making up a chart showing all of my colors on the watercolor paper and how they look. There were several videos to get us familiar with our paints and the things we have. I have had brushes and those metallic paints truly forever. I think I got them at a show where they were demo'd and I never did anything with them. So they are brand new (old). The same way with the Hero Arts round pallet. I actually thought those were chalks! When I saw Jennifer McGuire use them a while back in a video I was stunned. Wow, I have those and didn't even know what they were. Oh my. I've never water colored and I'm so ready. Hopefully I will have some cool cards to show you soon. Be kind to one another.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Boy do we have some chilly weather today. Windy and cold, but no rain. I feel so bad for the whole east coast who are getting battered. My sister in law and I went out on Tuesday and while driving we saw a new store called antiques and she wanted to stop. So we turned around and went back. SIL found two pictures she really liked and purchased them. I found this great white drawer unit sitting right out in front of the store on the sidewalk for $20. Can you believe it! Now you all know as a stamper we can't pass up drawers! I could picture all my single stamps nestled right in those drawers. We did move it around quite a bit. We put it in SIL's car, got back to her house and put it in my car. When I got home, I started taking out the drawers so I could lift it out of the trunk. I look over and hubby is putting the drawers back in as I'm taking them out! He didn't understand what I was trying to do. It took a lot of rearranging to put it where I wanted it in my craft room but I finally got it there. That caused me to rearrange the closet too, so that was a bonus. Don't look at all the surrounding stuff that's just put on the floor. It doesn't have a new place yet. So needless to say, I didn't make any cards but I did fix up the room and change things around. Based on previously posted days that means I won't be able to find things when I do make a card! The best thing to do is take pictures as you go along moving things around so you know where they are! Be kind to one another.

About Me

Widowed after 48 years of marriage and a mom to two sons, gram to four and a cardmaker. I love the community of wonderful stampers and have learned so much from each and everyone. I hope you'll comment and say hi. Thanks for coming by.